Course Description: This four-week online course will utilize readings, examples, and supplementary resources to help you understand how you can use data based stories to effectively demonstrate the impact of your library. You will be able to apply the concepts and techniques immediately in your own library and community. As part of the course, you will be encouraged to ask questions and participate in discussions with others.

Course Outline: When you log in to the Infopeople online learning site, you will see weekly modules with these topics:

Week 1: Finding the data-based story you want to tell

The power of data-based stories

Classifying library data as inputs, outputs, or outcomes

Week 2: Crafting your story

Components of effective data-based stories

Techniques for presenting numbers so that they are accessible and meaningful to various audiences

Week 3: Techniques for designing simple data visualizations

Basic design principles

Design a chart in Microsoft Excel or Google

Week 4: Infographic design

Best practices for infographic design

Process for designing infographics

Time Required: To complete this course, you can expect to spend 2 hours per week, for a total of eight course hours. Each week's module contains readings and various options for assignments, discussions, or online meetings. You can choose the options most relevant to your work and interests. Although you can work on each module at your own pace, at any hour of the day or night, it is recommended that you complete each week's work within that week to stay in sync with other learners.

Who Should Take This Course: Anyone who is interested in creating a data-based story (oral, written, or visual) that demonstrates the impact of their organization.

After the official end date for the course, the instructor will be available for limited consultation and support for two more weeks, and the course material will stay up for an additional two weeks after that. These extra weeks give those who have fallen behind time to work independently to complete the course.